Self-locking cable securing device, assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A self-locking securing device facilitates secure connection to cable or elongated object ends, and employs a retaining jaw, a barrel, a spacer and a sleeve. In various embodiments, the retaining jaw and spacer are formed as part or all of a replaceable cartridge and can include a fastening ring therebetween.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a securing device that facilitatesconnection with a cable or elongated object and pulling the cable orelongated object.

BACKGROUND

Proper wiring and cable management in building structures is essentialto the safe and effective operation of the building's electrical andcabling operation. Further, proper connection to a cable, wire, pipe,tube or similar elongated element is important to maintaining asufficient grip on the element.

When wiring or cabling needs to be protected from potential damage, itcan be pulled through various types of conduits. Conduit can be made ofmetal, rigid plastic (e.g., PVC) and other materials, and wiring orcabling can vary from very thin wires that may be bundled for passagethrough a conduit to very thick cables that may not be joined to anyother wires or cabling when passed through a conduit. Further, piping,tubing and other larger elements that require pulling must besufficiently connected to the pulling device to complete the task,whether it will be pulled through a conduit or not. For purposes of thepresent disclosure, the term “cable” or “cabling” may be used throughoutthe present disclosure to refer to any type of wire, cable, piping,tubing or similar elongated object that can be inserted and pulled,whether through a conduit or otherwise.

While conduit can be lengthy and provided with curves as necessitated bya building's structure, it can be difficult to pull cabling through evenshort lengths of conduit. Traditionally, tools such as compression cablepulling devices have been used to pull wire and cable through conduits.The compression cable pulling device would be attached to one end of thewire or cable, wherein the insulation has been stripped to reveal theinner conductor, using a compression press apparatus which would squeezeand deform the compression pulling device onto the wire or cable beingpulled. The compressed section is then pulled through the conduit andremoved by cutting the wire or cable. Other methods besides using acompression cable pulling device, such as a fish tape, pushing orwiggling cable through conduit, for example, have been tried withgenerally unsatisfactory results.

Unfortunately, the compression method and other methods of pulling cablethrough conduit do not always perform effectively, whereas compressionpulling devices often separate from the conductor during the process ofbeing pulled through the conduit. Once separated inside the conduit, itcan be exceptionally difficult to remove the inserted cable toreinitiate the process. Oftentimes in such situations, the conduit mustbe removed and/or broken to obtain access to the end of the cable, whichcan be extremely costly and time-consuming. Additionally, withtraditional compression cable pulling devices, a separate, oftenexpensive, and cumbersome, compression device is required to press thecompression pulling device body onto the exposed conductor.Alternatively, professionals would bring the wire sections or spools toa local contractor to have the compression body pressed to theconductor, making the process both time consuming and expensive.

The traditional process of pulling cable outside of conduit have beenthe use of a mechanical compression pulling device that often uses abolt arrangement to secure the elongated object to the mechanicalcompression pulling device. Unfortunately, the mechanical compressiondevice can be time consuming both in its installation and removal due tothe bolts that are deployed in the mechanical connection of the device.Additionally, the compression of the mechanical device often leads todamaging a section of the elongated object during the pulling process.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides, in part, a self-locking cable securingdevice, assembly and method that facilitates the secure connection ofcable ends for pulling the cabling without damage to the cable and whileminimizing risk of detachment during the pulling process.

In various embodiments, the device and assembly can employ a compressionmember such as a retaining jaw, a tubular barrel, a spacer and a sleeve.In various embodiments, the retaining jaw and spacer are formed as areplaceable cartridge and can include a fastening ring therebetween. Thetubular barrel can be provided with a straight or partially taperedinterior wall. The sleeve can be internally tapered and the fasteningring can adhere to the cable being inserted. The internally taperedsleeve can be inserted into the barrel, followed by the retaining jawand the fastening ring. These elements are capable of axial movementwithin the barrel along the barrel's axis during assembly, for example.The spacer is positioned between the fastening ring and the barrel or aretaining cap.

In various embodiments, the barrel can be provided with an internal orexternal thread at one end for securely engaging a retaining cap orbottom locking device, and an internal stop shelf at the other end thatprevents the internal components from being dislodged under force andprovides resistance for the internal sleeve to cause compression of theretaining jaws. One end of the retaining cap can be provided with aninternal or external thread for mating with the barrel's thread. Inanother embodiment, the stop shelf is welded, glued, or provided withthreads that mate to the threading on the barrel. The retaining cap canalso be formed with a central opening through which a rigid lanyard mayextend. In various embodiments, a bulb segment of the rigid lanyard isretained within the interior of the retaining cap such that, as therigid lanyard is pulled, the bulb segment engages the retaining cap andthe full device with barrel, retaining jaws and fastening ring can bepulled as a unit. When a cable is inserted into the opening of thebarrel opposite the lanyard, the cable moves past the fastening ring andretaining jaw, at which time the jaw fits around the cable. When thecable is pulled back, the jaw and fastening ring securely engage thecable. In additional embodiments, the retaining cap is glued or weldedor is integrated with the barrel as part of a monolithic barrelstructure. At such time, a fish tape or other device can be secured tothe loop in the rigid lanyard for pulling the cable outside of orthrough a conduit.

In various embodiments, a retaining ring is inserted between thecompression member and the fastening device, and the retaining ringretains a trailing end of the fastening device while providing a matingsurface for the compression member. In various embodiments, a stagingclip or pusher is employed between the leading edge of the fasteningdevice and the barrel end to prompt the jaws of the fastening deviceopen for receiving an inserted cable, for example. The retaining ringand/or staging clip can be provided as a fracturable or sacrificialcomponent that breaks down upon a single use, according to variousembodiments. In various embodiments incorporating the retaining ring, agrip ring is provided between the retaining ring and the compressionmember to assist with retaining an inserted cable and maintainingalignment of the fastening device.

In various embodiments, the retaining jaw has axial slots that separatedifferent gripping components of the retaining jaw. In variousembodiments, one of the slots extends completely along the axial lengthof the retaining jaw, forming a split in the retaining jaw device. Whilethe elements held within the barrel are axially movable along theinterior surface of the barrel, in various embodiments, once theretaining cap and/or bottom locking member is in place, the retainingjaw, fastening ring and spacer do not move axially within the barrel,even when engaging an inserted cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cable securingdevice in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cablesecuring device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the device of FIG. 1 in cross-section.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 4-4 of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 5-5 of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the barrel member of FIGS. 3 through5 .

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 7-7 of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a bottom locking ring in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of acable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa cable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the device of FIG. 11 in cross-section.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 13-13 of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the barrel member of FIGS. 12through 13 .

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 15-15 of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a locking ring in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the locking ring of FIG. 16 .

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa cable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the device of FIG. 19 in cross-section.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 21-21 of FIG. 20 .

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the barrel member of FIGS. 20through 21 .

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 23-23 of FIG. 22 .

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of an alternative locking ring in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 25-25 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the locking ring of FIG. 24 .

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa cable securing device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a front cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 27 .

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 29-29 of FIG. 28 .

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 30-30 of FIG. 28 .

FIG. 31 is a front cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 27 .

FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 32-32 of FIG. 31 .

FIG. 33 is an exploded front view in cross-section of elements of acable securing device in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 34 is a front view of a fastening ring in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 35-35 of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a front view of a retaining jaw in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 37-37 of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the retaining jaw of FIG. 36 .

FIG. 39 is a bottom view of a spacer in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 40-40 of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 41-41 of FIG. 40 .

FIG. 42 is a bottom view of a sleeve in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 43-43 of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridgeassembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of a cartridge in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 47-47 of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 48-48 of FIG. 47 .

FIGS. 49 and 50 are depictions of a cartridge retaining element inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter areshown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presentlydisclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications andother embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thepresently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosedsubject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodimentsdisclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended tobe included within the scope of the appended claims.

It will be appreciated that reference to “a”, “an” or other indefinitearticle in the present disclosure encompasses one or more than one ofthe described element. Thus, for example, reference to teeth mayencompass one or more teeth or sets of teeth, and so forth.

In the cable securing device 10 according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure as shown in FIGS. 1 through 50 , elements as shown include: abottom locking device 30, a barrel 60 and a cable receiving component40. The cable receiving component 40 can include a spacer 22, afastening ring 24, a retaining jaw 26 and a sleeve 28, or a subsetthereof. In various embodiments, the cable receiving component 40 canfurther include the bottom locking device 30. The cable receivingcomponent 40 may be formed as individual elements joined together or maybe provided as an integrated cartridge with two or more of the elementsas shown in the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 , a lanyard 15 is provided with a bodysegment 16, shank ball segment 23, clasp 18 and end loop segment 19. Thelanyard 15 may or may not be considered part of the cable securingdevice 10 depending upon the nature of the embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In various embodiments, the shank ball segment 23 isintegrally formed with the body segment 16 as at 13 so as to provide amonolithic structure, and the end loop segment 19 can be crimped orclasped as with clasp 18 so as to form a loop 12, which facilitates thesecure connection of a fish tape or other external device having a latchor other mechanism securable to the loop segment 19 for pulling, asdescribed in more detail hereafter. In various embodiments, the lanyardcan be made of steel or other rigid material. The shank ball segment 23is formed of a size appropriate to engage lower neck portion (e.g., 71)of an interior surface 64 of the barrel 60 (see FIG. 4 , for example) orinterior surface portion (e.g., 522) of a separate retainer cap 50 (seeFIG. 32 , for example). This facilitates a secure engagement such thatwhen the lanyard 15 is pulled, it will pull the barrel 60 and itscontents during operation.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 14, 15, 22, 23 and 33 , for example, embodimentsof the barrel 60 can be formed as a monolithic, single-body componentwith an exterior surface 62 and an interior surface 64 defining aninterior cavity 63 extending axially therethrough. The exterior surface62 can be substantially cylindrical, or tubular, as shown, with anoptionally rounded upper exterior surface 65. An interior edge surface68 of the barrel 60 extends radially inwardly from the interior surface64 to lower neck portion 71 of the interior surface 64. The interioredge surface 68 provides a structural support for the spacer 22 and/orembodiments of the cartridge during operation as described elsewhereherein. In various embodiments, a portion 73 of the interior surface 64of the barrel 60 extends axially and radially inwardly from the exteriorsurface 62 to an upper neck portion 75, which extends axially to thelower neck portion 71. The lower neck portion extends radially outwardlyand axially away from the upper neck portion 75 to the interior edgesurface 68. The upper 75 and lower 71 neck portions provide surfaces forthe shank ball segment 23 and element 13 to engage during operation.

In the embodiments of the barrel 60 as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 14 and 15 ,the barrel interior surface 64 extends axially from the interior edgesurface 68 to a bottom locking device receiving area 100. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , a barrel end surface 66 extendsradially inwardly from the exterior surface 62 to an axially extendinginner radial lip 67. The bottom locking device receiving area 100 caninclude the radial lip 67, a first wall 77 extending radially outwardlyfrom the interior surface 64 to an axially extending interior wall 78,from which a second wall 79 extends radially inwardly to the radial lip67. Such walls 77, 78, 79 provide a supporting structure for receivingembodiments of a bottom locking device 30 as described elsewhere herein.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the bottom locking devicereceiving area 100 includes a first wall 77 extending radially outwardlyfrom the interior surface 64 and a thread 81 extending from the firstwall 77 to the barrel end surface 66. This embodiment provides properconnection structure for receiving other embodiments of a bottom lockingdevice 30 as described elsewhere herein.

The embodiment of the barrel 60 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is similarto the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 ; however, a bottom portion 74 ofthe interior surface 64 extends axially outwardly from the radiallyouter edge 177 of the first wall 77 to the thread 81. Such form providessupporting structure for receiving alternative embodiments of a bottomlocking device 30 as described elsewhere herein. In still anotherembodiment as shown in FIG. 33 , the barrel 60 is formed with a thread83 proximate the top end 88 and a radially inwardly extending supportledge 87 proximate the bottom end 89. The support ledge 87 providesstructural support to a sleeve 28 and/or cartridge in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments,the barrel 60 is formed of steel or other rigid material.

As shown in the drawings, particularly FIGS. 39 through 41 , forexample, embodiments of the spacer 22 can be formed as a monolithic,single-body component with an exterior surface 122 and an interiorsurface 124 defining an interior cavity extending axially therethrough.The exterior surface 122 can be substantially cylindrical, or tubular,as shown, with embodiments including a notch 126 at one axial end 127for engaging the retaining jaw 26 as described elsewhere herein. Thenotch 126 can be formed as a first platform 129 extending radiallyinwardly from the exterior surface 122 to an end portion 121 of theexterior surface 122 extending axially outwardly to a radially inwardlyextending second platform 128. An angled inner ridge 125 extends axiallyand radially inwardly from the second platform 128 to the substantiallycylindrical interior surface 124. The angled inner ridge 125 thus formsa frustoconical portion of the interior surface 124 of the spacer 22. Invarious embodiments, the spacer 22 is formed of steel or other rigidmaterial and is resilient and not axially compressible.

As shown in the drawings, particularly FIGS. 34 and 35 , for example,embodiments of the fastening ring 24 can be formed as a monolithicelement including a fastening ring rim or base 52 with a radially outeredge 54 and a radially inner surface 55 defining a fastening ringcavity. The fastening ring 24 can be an integral, unsplit ring or can bea split ring member. In the embodiments where the fastening ring is asplit ring, the fastening ring can include two circumferential endpoints (not shown) that do not connect, with fixture points for handlingand compressing the fastening ring, such that a tool designed to holdthe fastening ring at the fixture points can more easily handle andcompress the fastening ring in order to assist with assembly ordisassembly. In this embodiment, and once compressed, the fastening ringis easily insertable into the barrel 60 by releasing the hold on thefixture points, thereby allowing the fastening ring to expand such thatthe radially outer edge 54 engages the interior surface 64 of the barrel60. In various embodiments, the fastening ring 24 can comprise a springsteel formulation, for example, that enables the fastening ring to bemalformed during installation, while springing back into its originallymanufactured position once installed. A first face or radially extendingsurface 59 of the base 52 is positioned in operational contact with thetrailing edge of the retaining jaw 24 and a second face or radiallyextending surface 57 is positioned adjacent the spacer 22 when installedand during operation.

The fastening ring 24 is capable of grabbing an inserted cable's surfacevia two or more teeth 58. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 , the fasteningring 24 can be formed with one or more bifurcated or square edged teeth58 extending axially and radially inwardly from the radially innersurface 55 of the fastening ring base 52. As shown in FIGS. 4, 13, 21and 32 , for example, the teeth 58 extend toward the inner surface 124of the spacer 22 when at rest. The teeth 58 of the fastening ring 24 canextend at various angles from the base axis as measured when the teethare at rest position and are not stressed by the insertion of a cable,for example. The number of teeth can readily vary in number and size. Invarious embodiments, the fastening ring teeth 58 are angled radially andaxially inwardly from the substantially cylindrical perimeter of thefastening ring 24, toward the spacer 22 and away from the retaining jaw24, such that when a cable is inserted, the teeth 58 first extendradially outwardly to permit the cable to pass through, and then exert apressure against the cable as it settles to discourage the cable fromslipping or moving back out of the barrel 60. In various embodiments,each of the fastening ring teeth 58 is formed with a gripping edgeextending radially inwardly into the barrel interior cavity to engagethe cable during operation. In various embodiments, the teeth 58 extendtoward or to an angled inner ridge 125 of the inner surface 124 of thespacer 22 when stressed by the insertion of a cable, and then flex backin the opposite direction after the cable has been inserted to therebygrip the inserted cable and resist any axial movement of the cable backout of the barrel 60. The teeth 58 may or may not contact the angledinner ridge 125 of the spacer 22 during operation. In variousembodiments, the fastening ring 24 assists in allowing the device 10 tosecurely engage an inserted cable while also preventing or minimizingany drifting of the cable once inserted, which can result in anunsatisfactory grip on an inserted cable.

As shown in the drawings, particularly FIGS. 36 through 38 , forexample, embodiments of the retaining jaw 26 can be provided in variousforms and, in various embodiments, the retaining jaw 26 is formed ofsteel or other rigid material. The retaining jaw 26 can be provided as aunitary, monolithic element with an outer surface 260, an inner surface262, an axially exterior edge or leading edge 264 at its first axial endand a trailing edge at its second axial end in the form of an axiallyinterior, radially extending end wall 265. The outer surface 260 can beformed with an axially interior segment 266 and an axially exteriorsegment 267, wherein the axially interior segment 266 is substantiallycylindrical and the axially exterior segment 267 is substantiallyfrustoconical. In various embodiments, the axially exterior segment 267of the outer surface 260 extends at an angle so as to mate in slidingengagement with the substantially frustoconical surface of the sleeve 28during operation. The axially interior segment 266 can further be formedwith a groove or indentation 268 for mating with the notch 126 of thespacer 22 as described elsewhere herein. The indentation 268 can beformed as an axially extending wall 269 extending axially from the endwall 265 to a radially extending platform 270. It will be appreciatedthat the cable receiving component 40 can be provided as individualelements (e.g., spacer 22, fastening ring 24 and retaining jaw 26)joined together or as a single integrated cartridge, regardless ofwhether formed with an indentation 268.

As further shown in FIGS. 36 through 38 , the retaining jaw 26 can beformed with compression channels or slots 272 defined by radiallyextending jaw walls 274 and axially extending jaw rims 276. The jaw rims226 can be formed in the axially interior segment 266 of the outersurface 260 of the retaining jaw 26 and can extend radially to the innersurface 262 of the retaining jaw 26. The jaw walls 274 can extendaxially outwardly from the jaw rims 226 to the exterior edge 264 of theretaining jaw 26. Thus, the slots 272 extend through the axiallyexterior segment 267 of the outer surface 260 of the retaining jaw 26and a portion of the axially interior segment 266 of the outer surface260 of the retaining jaw 26. In various embodiments, one of the slotscan extend fully through the axially interior segment 266 of the outersurface 260 of the retaining jaw 26 to form a split, which can assistwith manipulating the retaining jaw 26 during installation, as the splitresults in less resistance to radial compression of the retaining jaw 26such that the retaining jaw 26 may more readily be inserted into thebarrel interior.

The slots 272 form multiple jaw members, as shown in FIGS. 36 through 38. The number of jaw members can vary depending upon the embodiment. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 38 , four jaw members 255, 256, 257 and 258are formed. Regardless of number, each jaw member can be formed with arespective leading edge corresponding to exterior edge 264 at theaxially outer end of the jaw member and a gripping segment such as jawteeth 250. The jaw teeth 250 can be formed with riser segments 251 andradially inwardly extending ridges 252, wherein the riser segments 251extend radially and axially inwardly from the jaw walls 274 and whereinthe riser segments 251 and ridges 252 meet at a radially inner edge 253which forms a sharpened peak for pinching an inserted cable. In variousembodiments, the riser segments 251 are formed with a greater surfacearea than the ridges 252, which assists in facilitating the insertion ofa cable while also providing for significant gripping force after thecable has been inserted so as to resist movement of the cable axiallyoutwardly of the barrel 60.

As shown in the drawings, particularly FIGS. 42 and 43 , for example,embodiments of the sleeve 28 can be provided in various forms and can beformed of steel or other rigid material. The sleeve 28 can be formedwith a substantially cylindrical outer surface 280 and a substantiallyfrustoconical inner surface 282. The inner surface 282 extends from asleeve primary end 284 having a radially narrower depth to a sleevesecondary end 286 having a radially wider depth, with a radiallyextending wall 287 at the sleeve primary end 284 that mates with abottom locking device 30 or a support ledge 87 of the barrel 60depending upon the embodiment as disclosed herein. The inner surface 282at the sleeve secondary end 286 mates with the axially exterior segment267 of the outer surface 260 of the retaining jaw 26 during operation.

Various embodiments of the bottom locking device 30 are shown in FIGS. 2through 26 . As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and 9 , for example, the bottomlocking device 30 includes a head 330 integrally formed with aring-shaped body 332, wherein the head includes a head radially exteriorsurface 302, a head radially interior surface 304, a head axiallyexterior surface 305 and a head axially interior surface 307. Wheninstalled, the head axially exterior surface 305 is maintained incontact with the first wall 77 of the bottom locking device receivingarea 100 and the radially extending wall 287 at the primary end 284 ofthe sleeve 28, as shown in FIG. 5 . When installed, the head radiallyexterior surface 302 is further maintained in contact with the axiallyextending interior wall 78 of the bottom locking device receiving area100 and the head axially interior surface 307 is maintained in contactwith the second wall 79 of the bottom locking device receiving area 100.Such arrangement keeps the bottom locking device 30 of FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and9 in secure engagement with the barrel 60 and further provides secureretention of the sleeve 28 during operation. In such embodiments, thebottom locking device 30 can be snapped into place in the barrel 60.

The body 332 of the bottom locking device 30 includes a body interiorsurface 306 and a body radially exterior surface 308. The head radiallyinterior surface 304 and the body interior surface 306 form an opening319 extending along an axis T through the head 330 and ring-shaped body332. In various embodiments, the head radially interior surface 304 issubstantially cylindrical. In various other embodiments, the headradially interior surface 304 extends from the axially outer edge 333 atthe radially innermost part of the head axially exterior surface 305radially and axially inwardly to a lip 334, and the body interiorsurface 306 extends radially outwardly and axially inwardly from the lip334 to an axially inner edge 337. The angled extensions of the headradially interior surface 304 and body interior surface 306 facilitateoperation of the device when a cable is inserted and to be retained asdescribed elsewhere herein. In various embodiments, the radial distancefrom the axis T to the head radially interior surface 304 at the axiallyouter edge 333 is greater than the radial distance from the axis T tothe lip 334 and greater than the radial distance from the axis T to theaxially inner edge 337. Further, the radial distance from the axis T tothe head radially interior surface 302 is less than the radial distancefrom the axis T to the body radially interior surface 308.

In various embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 11 through 26 , the bodyradially exterior surface 308 is threaded as at 320 to mate with thethread 81 on the barrel 60. In these embodiments, the radial distancefrom the axis T to the head radially interior surface 302 is less thanthe radial distance from the axis T to the body radially interiorsurface 306. As shown in FIGS. 24 through 26 , the body interior surface306 extends radially outwardly and axially inwardly from the lip 334along a first interior portion 340 to an intermediate ridge 342 at afirst angle X to the axis T, and further extends radially outwardly andaxially inwardly from the intermediate ridge 342 along a second interiorportion 344 to the axially inner edge 337 at a second angle Y to theaxis, wherein the second angle Y is greater than the first angle X. Thedifferent angles facilitate maintaining an inserted cable in anappropriately angled channel such that the cable is guided into theretaining jaw 26 and through the fastening ring 24 and spacer 22.Further, the body radially exterior surface 308, in addition toincluding threaded portion 320 can include an unthreaded portion 345extending axially inwardly from the threaded portion 320, as shown inFIG. 25 .

In the embodiments of the present disclosure as shown in FIGS. 27through 33 , no bottom locking device 30 is employed. As shown therein,a hollow retaining cap 500 is provided and maintains shank ball segment23 therein. The hollow retaining cap 500 can be provided with a thread510 on an exterior surface thereof, wherein the thread 510 can mate withthread 83 of the barrel as shown in FIGS. 27 through 33 . In variousembodiments, the retaining cap 500 is made of steel or other rigidmaterial.

In various embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 44 through 48 , forexample, the fastening ring 24, retaining jaw 26 and sleeve 28 can beformed as a single member cartridge 70 for employment in the device 10as disclosed herein. The cartridge 70 may optionally include the spacer22. In such embodiments, the axially extending wall 269 extendingaxially from the end wall 265 of the retaining jaw 26 can be formed witha slot 300 for receiving the base 52 of the fastening ring 24. Thefastening ring 24, whether split or not, can be snapped into placewithin the slot 300. In such embodiments, the sleeve 28 at the radiallywider depth end 286 can be formed with a retaining lip 310 that retainsthe end wall 265 of the retaining jaw 26 and restricts any axialmovement of the retaining jaw 26 within the sleeve 28. The spacer 22 canbe secured to the retaining lip 310 such as by adhesive, for example,and thereby form part of the cartridge 70. The internal tapered wall 282of the sleeve 28 compresses the retaining jaw 26 as the jaw slidesdownward during installation of the cartridge 70. In variousembodiments, the internal tapered wall 282 of the sleeve 28 is formedwith a radially inwardly extending nub 288 to act as an axial stop forthe retaining jaw 26. The overall cartridge 70 can have a top axial endsurface 298, and the fastening ring teeth 58 can extend axially to oroutwardly of the top axial end surface 298. Embodiments of the overallcartridge 70 can have a substantially cylindrical outer surface 322 anda substantially frustoconical interior surface 324.

In alternative embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50 , theretaining jaw 26 is not slidably engaged with the internal tapered wall282, but rather the internal wall 282 of the sleeve 28 is formed withreceiving cavities 290 for receiving individual jaw elements of theretaining jaw 26. For example, if the slots 272 separating jaw elements255, 256, 257 and 258 of FIG. 38 extended fully through the axiallyinterior segment 266 of the retaining jaw 26, four independent jawelements would be formed. Exemplary such jaw elements are shown at 293and 294 in FIG. 49 . Such jaw elements 293, 294 can be retained withinthe individual compartments 290 formed within the sleeve internal wall282. It will be appreciated that in such embodiments, the sleeve 28 canbe formed with axially extending slots or compression channels 295 tofacilitate radial contraction and expansion during operation.

In operation, the device 10 can be assembled from the bottom or the topof the barrel 60, depending upon embodiment. In the bottom loadingassembly, such as shown in FIGS. 1 through 26 , the spacer 22 isinserted into the barrel 60 so as to abut the interior edge surface 68of the barrel 60. The fastening ring 24 is inserted so as to engage thespacer 22 as shown in the drawings and as described elsewhere herein.The retainer jaw 26 is then inserted so as to engage the fastening ring24 and the spacer 22 as shown in the drawings and as described elsewhereherein. The sleeve 28 and bottom locking device 30 are then inserted asdescribed elsewhere herein with regard to FIGS. 1 through 18 .Alternatively, FIGS. 19 through 26 illustrate the embodiment whereby thebottom locking device 30 is an integrated combination of a bottomlocking device and sleeve. In such arrangement, the thread 320 on thebottom locking device radially exterior surface 308 engages the thread81 of the barrel 60 and the unthreaded portion 345 of the body radiallyexterior surface 308 engages the bottom portion 74 of the interiorsurface 64 of the barrel 60. In this embodiment, the axially inner edge337 of the body 332 engages the first wall 77 extending radiallyoutwardly from the interior surface 64 of the barrel 60. The combinationof the threaded connection between the bottom locking device 30 and thebarrel 60 and the engagement of the axially inner edge 337 of the bottomlocking device 30 with the first wall 77 of the barrel 60 provides asecure and stable connection that will not permit axial movement of thebottom locking device 30 during operation.

In assembly of the device 10 from the top of the barrel 60, such asshown in FIGS. 27 through 33 , the sleeve 28, retaining jaw 26,fastening ring 24 and spacer 22 are inserted from the top of the barrel60 and the sleeve 28 is maintained against the radially inwardlyextending ledge 229 of the barrel 60. The retaining cap 500 can then bethreadedly connected to the barrel interior 64.

The inner surface of the retaining jaw 26, the radially inner surface ofthe fastening ring 24, the interior surface of the spacer 22 and theinterior surface of the sleeve 28 define a cable receiving cavity 195.It will be appreciated that the cable receiving component 40 ismaintained in substantially axially static position within the interiorsurface of the barrel 60 upon insertion of a cable into the cablereceiving cavity 195.

Prior to insertion of a cable, the device 10 is loaded as describedabove such that the cable receiving component 40 is inserted into thebarrel 60. As disclosed elsewhere herein, the cable receiving component40 can comprise multiple elements assembled and positioned together orcan alternatively comprise a single, pre-joined and integrated cartridgedevice 70. Regardless of form, the cable receiving component 40 can beinserted into the barrel 60 and maintained securely within the barrelinterior so as to prevent axial movement of the cable receivingcomponent during operation.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present disclosurework with and accommodate both insulated as well as uninsulated cables,wiring and other elements. It will be appreciated that the cable is notnecessarily considered an element of the device and component aspresently disclosed. An inserted cable extends past the optional bottomlocking device 30, cartridge 70 and/or elements 28, 26 and 24. Theretaining jaw 26 is maintained securely within the barrel 60 and doesnot slide axially as the cable is inserted. The pressure from theinserted cable against the jaw teeth 250 does not result in theretaining jaw 26 moving radially inwardly, yet the jaw teeth 250maintain engagement with the inserted cable while permitting the cableto pass through.

As the cable element is pushed further into the barrel 60, it passes thefastening ring 24 and spacer 22. In doing so, the fastening ring teeth58 are flexed radially outwardly so as to permit the inserted cableelement to pass. As described elsewhere herein, the fastening ring teeth58 may flex to the point of engaging angled inner ridge 125 of thespacer interior surface 124. The cable element can extend until itreaches resistance from the shank ball segment 23 or other internalelement, for example. Once the cable element is fully inserted, anymovement of the cable axially outwardly of the barrel 60 is resisted bythe fastening ring teeth 58 and the jaw teeth 250, and it will beappreciated that the fastening ring teeth 58 will flex back from theposition attained during insertion of the cable element to a positionwhere the edges of the teeth 58 pinch the inserted cable element. Atsuch time, the retaining jaw 26 is immediately and evenly engaged so asto remain in alignment and assist in securely engaging the insertedcable. Further, at such time, a fish tape or other device can be securedto the loop 12 in the rigid lanyard 15 for pulling the cable, such asthrough or outside of a conduit.

It will be appreciated that the cable receiving component remains in asubstantially axially static position within the barrel when the deviceis fully assembled with the retaining cap fully secured to the barrel,regardless of the action of the inserted cable. Further, the threadedand/or snap in engagement of the retaining cap 500 and/or the bottomlocking device 30 with the barrel 60 permits ease of assembly anddisassembly of the device.

The angles, dimensions and materials described herein will be understoodto be exemplary and provided as embodiments associated with properworking operation of the device, assembly and method as presentlydisclosed. Further, it will be appreciated that, in various embodiments,the members of the device and assembly disclosed herein can be formedthrough hydroforming processes.

The device, assembly and method as presently disclosed may be embodiedin other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, thescope of the invention being indicated by the claims of the applicationrather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which comewithin the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are thereforeintended to be embraced therein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a barrel comprisingan interior surface defining an interior cavity; a cable receivingcomponent maintained within the interior cavity of the barrel, whereinthe cable receiving component comprises: a retaining jaw formed with aleading edge, a trailing edge and an inner surface comprising a grippingsegment and an outer surface comprising an axially exterior segment; afastening ring formed with a rim comprising a first face, a second face,a radially inner surface and fastening ring teeth, wherein the secondface engages the trailing edge of the retaining jaw; a spacer formedwith an interior surface, a first end and a second end, wherein thesecond end of the spacer engages the first face of the fastening ring; asleeve formed with a sleeve interior surface, a sleeve exterior surface,a sleeve primary end and a sleeve secondary end, wherein the sleevesecondary end engages the axially exterior segment of the outer surfaceof the retaining jaw; and a bottom locking device engaging the sleeveprimary end.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of theretaining jaw, the radially inner surface of the fastening ring, theinterior surface of the spacer and the sleeve interior surface define acable receiving cavity and wherein the cable receiving component ismaintained in substantially static position within the interior surfaceof the barrel upon insertion of a cable into the cable receiving cavity.3. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastening ring teeth extendingaxially and radially inwardly from the fastening ring rim toward theinterior surface of the spacer.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein theinterior edge surface of the barrel extends radially inwardly from thebarrel interior surface and wherein the first end of the spacer engagesthe interior edge surface of the barrel.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the retaining jaw, the fastening ring and the sleeve are formedas a cartridge.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the retaining jaw, thefastening ring and the spacer are formed as a cartridge.
 7. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the retaining jaw is formed with a plurality ofslots defining a plurality of jaw members, wherein the gripping segmentcomprises a plurality of jaw teeth formed on each jaw member of theplurality of jaw members, and wherein the retaining jaw is formed with asplit between at least two of the plurality of jaw members.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the retaining jaw is formed with an exteriorsurface comprising a substantially cylindrical portion and asubstantially frustoconical portion.
 9. The device of claim 1, whereinthe sleeve interior surface is substantially frustoconical.
 10. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the sleeve interior surface engages theretaining jaw exterior surface.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein thebottom locking device is formed with a thread and wherein the barrelinterior surface is formed with a thread for mating engagement with thethread of the bottom locking device.
 12. The device of claim 1, whereinthe barrel interior surface is formed with a radial lip, a first wallextending radially outwardly from the interior surface to an axiallyextending interior wall, and a second wall extending radially inwardlyfrom the axially extending interior wall to the radial lip, wherein thebottom locking device comprises a head for engaging the axiallyextending interior wall and the first and second walls of the barrelinterior surface.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom lockingdevice comprises: a head integrally formed with a ring-shaped body,wherein the head comprises a head interior surface and a head radiallyexterior surface, wherein the body comprises a body interior surface anda body radially exterior surface, wherein the head interior surface andthe body interior surface form an opening extending along an axisthrough the head and ring-shaped body; and wherein the head interiorsurface extends from an axially outer edge radially and axially inwardlyto a lip, and wherein the body interior surface extends radiallyoutwardly and axially inwardly from the lip to an axially inner edge.14. The device of claim 13, wherein the radial distance from the axis tothe head radially interior surface is greater than the radial distancefrom the axis to the body radially interior surface.
 15. The device ofclaim 13, wherein the radial distance from the axis to the head radiallyinterior surface is less than the radial distance from the axis to thebody radially interior surface.
 16. A device, comprising: a barrelcomprising an interior surface defining an interior cavity; a cablereceiving component maintained within the interior cavity of the barrel,wherein the cable receiving component comprises: a retaining jaw formedwith a leading edge, a trailing edge, an inner surface comprising agripping segment and an outer surface comprising an axially exteriorsegment, wherein the outer surface of the retaining jaw furthercomprises an axially interior segment, wherein the axially interiorsegment is substantially cylindrical and is maintained against theinterior surface of the barrel; and a sleeve formed with a sleeveinterior surface, a sleeve exterior surface, a sleeve primary end and asleeve secondary end, wherein the sleeve secondary end engages theaxially exterior segment of the outer surface of the retaining jaw. 17.The device of claim 16, wherein the axially exterior segment issubstantially frustoconical.
 18. The device of claim 16, furthercomprising a fastening ring formed with a rim comprising a first face, asecond face, a radially inner surface and fastening ring teeth, whereinthe second face engages the trailing edge of the retaining jaw.
 19. Thedevice of claim 16, wherein the retaining jaw, fastening ring and sleeveare provided as a single, pre-joined integrated cartridge.
 20. A device,comprising: a barrel comprising an interior surface defining an interiorcavity; a cable receiving component maintained within the interiorcavity of the barrel, wherein the cable receiving component comprises: aretaining jaw formed with a leading edge, a trailing edge and an innersurface comprising a gripping segment and an outer surface comprising anaxially exterior segment; a fastening ring formed with a rim comprisinga first face, a second face, a radially inner surface and fastening ringteeth, wherein the second face engages the trailing edge of theretaining jaw; a spacer formed with an interior surface, a first end anda second end, wherein the second end of the spacer engages the firstface of the fastening ring; and a sleeve formed with a sleeve interiorsurface, a sleeve exterior surface, a sleeve primary end and a sleevesecondary end, wherein the sleeve secondary end engages the axiallyexterior segment of the outer surface of the retaining jaw, wherein thesleeve interior surface is substantially frustoconical and wherein thesleeve interior surface engages the retaining jaw exterior surface.